The Cobblers caretaker boss could only watch in stunned disbelief as the Football League's bottom club Plymouth Argyle scored four first-half goals at Home Park to leave Town firmly engaged in a relegation battle of their own.
Flowers told the official club website that his side were 'horrendous' out of possession and made their opponents 'look like Real Madrid'.
As his own chances of becoming Gary Johnson's permanent successor faded into the Devon distance, Flowers warned: "Whoever comes in as manager mission A has to be to keep this club in the league."